NRNP 6675 PMHNP PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which lab value is most critical to monitor for a patient taking Clozapine?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
C. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
D. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a risk of agranulocytosis; therefore, strict
monitoring of the Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) is required by the FDA.
2. A patient presents with hyperreflexia, tremors, and diaphoresis after starting an SSRI.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
B. Serotonin Syndrome
C. Anticholinergic Toxicity
D. Tardive Dyskinesia
,Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Serotonin Syndrome is characterized by neuromuscular
hyperactivity (hyperreflexia, clonus) and autonomic instability following the use of
serotonergic agents.
3. Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease?
A. Dopamine
B. GABA
C. Serotonin
D. Acetylcholine
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A decrease in acetylcholine in the cerebral cortex is a primary
neurochemical hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, leading to cognitive decline.
4. What is a characteristic sign of Lithium toxicity?
A. Coarse tremors and ataxia
B. Weight loss
C. Constipation
D. Hypertension
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: Coarse tremors, ataxia, vomiting, and confusion are signs of
lithium toxicity, which can be life-threatening.
5. By what mechanism do SSRIs primarily work?
A. Increasing serotonin production
B. Inhibiting Monoamine Oxidase
C. Blocking post-synaptic receptors
D. Inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) block the
reabsorption of serotonin into neurons, making more available in the synaptic cleft.
6. According to Erikson, what is the primary developmental task for school-age children (6-12
years)?
A. Industry vs. Inferiority
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
D. Trust vs. Mistrust
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In the Industry vs. Inferiority stage, children learn to read, write,
and do things on their own, seeking approval and developing a sense of pride.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which lab value is most critical to monitor for a patient taking Clozapine?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
C. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
D. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a risk of agranulocytosis; therefore, strict
monitoring of the Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) is required by the FDA.
2. A patient presents with hyperreflexia, tremors, and diaphoresis after starting an SSRI.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
B. Serotonin Syndrome
C. Anticholinergic Toxicity
D. Tardive Dyskinesia
,Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Serotonin Syndrome is characterized by neuromuscular
hyperactivity (hyperreflexia, clonus) and autonomic instability following the use of
serotonergic agents.
3. Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease?
A. Dopamine
B. GABA
C. Serotonin
D. Acetylcholine
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A decrease in acetylcholine in the cerebral cortex is a primary
neurochemical hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, leading to cognitive decline.
4. What is a characteristic sign of Lithium toxicity?
A. Coarse tremors and ataxia
B. Weight loss
C. Constipation
D. Hypertension
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: Coarse tremors, ataxia, vomiting, and confusion are signs of
lithium toxicity, which can be life-threatening.
5. By what mechanism do SSRIs primarily work?
A. Increasing serotonin production
B. Inhibiting Monoamine Oxidase
C. Blocking post-synaptic receptors
D. Inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) block the
reabsorption of serotonin into neurons, making more available in the synaptic cleft.
6. According to Erikson, what is the primary developmental task for school-age children (6-12
years)?
A. Industry vs. Inferiority
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
D. Trust vs. Mistrust
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In the Industry vs. Inferiority stage, children learn to read, write,
and do things on their own, seeking approval and developing a sense of pride.
